Dental examinations

Regular dental exams are essential for detecting and addressing dental issues before they become serious. During a dental exam, our veterinarians thoroughly inspect your pet’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of plaque, tartar, gum disease, broken or loose teeth, and other oral problems. Our veterinarians can perform a brief dental exam when your pet visits for routine wellness care.

Dental X-rays

Most tooth problems in dogs and cats occur below the gum line, where you cannot see them. Dental X-rays provide focused images that allow us to see each tooth’s entire structure, including the root, and identify common issues, including tooth root abscesses, bone loss, tooth resorption, and unerupted teeth. Our veterinary team performs full-mouth dental X-rays each time your pet is anesthetized for a dental cleaning or oral surgery.

Comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) During a COHAT,  our highly trained team members remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line, take dental X-rays, and polish your pet’s teeth. Our veterinarians perform a comprehensive oral examination and appropriately treat problem teeth. Our entire team is skilled in providing thorough and gentle cleanings to keep your pet’s mouth in optimal condition.

Dental cleanings can be used to treat existing dental issues, but they are best used to prevent periodontal disease and other dental problems. At Red Pine Trails, we evaluate each pet individually and provide customized recommendations on frequency of cleanings.

Oral surgery

Some dental problems require surgical intervention to remove or restore diseased teeth. Our veterinary team can perform a range of dental procedures to address complex dental issues, including oral tumors. We use oral nerve blocks and injectable pain medications to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout their stay. We send each pet home with personalized recommendations for home care and follow-up.

Anesthesia safety

Anesthesia is essential for dental procedures, ensuring your pet remains still and pain-free during their treatment. While anesthesia-free dentistry seems appealing, it can cause pets extreme stress and does not allow for a thorough cleaning, X-rays, or necessary treatments. We take every precaution to ensure safe anesthesia for all pets, which includes conducting a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation including bloodwork, and monitoring your pet closely throughout the procedure.